During our recent visit to Rome, we enjoyed our stay in a small and pleasant hotel, right on the “Via Nazionale”, a few blocks from the “Via dei Fori Imperiali”. When one observes the Avenue of the Imperial Forum, one were able to affirm its depth, as it creates the road to the Roman Colosseum. This important road was built under the government of Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini and crosses what was the ancient city. Continue reading “The Palatine and the Roman forum”
It is always a pleasure to return to the medieval city of Toledo in Spain, which in itself is a jewel full of charm. Up there, on the hill above, is this wonderful city that from the plains we can observe. Its narrow streets, its history, monuments, temples, all evoke a past and glorious time. Continue reading “Finding Cervantes”
Having visited the leaning towers of “Asinelli” and “Garisenda” in Bologna, we soon stepped on another city with leaning towers, Pisa. Known worldwide for having the greatest inclination, the bell tower of the “Duomo di Pisa” is also the most recognized monument in the city. Continue reading “Another city with a leaning tower; Pisa”
Very little is known about “San Petronio”, his life and work. He was bishop of Bologna during the 5th century and as such, he was responsible for the construction of the church of “Santo Stefano” of Bologna. It was in this church where the relics of “San Petronio” rested until later they were transferred to the basilica that bears his name.
Piazza Venezia, seems to have become the center of Rome, located very closely to the Piazza di San Marco. In fact, both appear as a result of the construction of the Palazzo Venezia, which is erected in the fifteenth century and next to the Chiesa di San Marcos. Each having its corresponding plaza. Continue reading “Piazza Venezia – Rome”
Since ancient times the center of the Italian city of Firenze, was its Roman Forum. In addition, it was the place where the main roads of the city, the cardus roads (North to South) and decumanus maximi (East to West) were crossed. It was customary to seat the Roman Forum or square around that point. Continue reading “The Piazza della Repubblica, Firenze”
On the corner of Alcalá street and the Prado Promenade in Madrid, Spain, stands the Cybele Palace, framed by the famous Cibeles Fountain, from which its name derives. This symbol of the city of Madrid, with a certain touch of cathedral, is within walking distance of other famous structures such as the Metropolis Building, the Prado Museum and the Arch or Gateway to Alcalá.
The Roman people enjoyed shows such as gladiatorial games (of the Etruscans), simulations of naval battles, hunting or fighting of wild animals (venations), car races and other events. The Roman amphitheater evolved from the two-sided Greek stadiums and semicircular theaters. It also represented an improvement over the Roman “Circus Maximus,” elliptically with a fixed central divider. The spine would impair the display of certain events. Continue reading “The Amphitheater of the Flavian Emperors”
The building of Christian Church over pagan temples was customary in ancient Rome. Thus we have the Basilica Santa María over the Temple of Minerva. In fact, recently discovered were the remains of another temple, to Isis and Serapis in the place where this basilica is located. The architectural style of the “Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva” is Gothic. Continue reading “Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Roma”
One of the most flourishing and developing cities in ancient times was Florence. It was the center of medieval European commerce and finance. Birthplace of the Renaissance and the standard Italian language, home of Michelangelo’s “David”, the city of the Medicis, the “Ponte Vecchio” and the capital of Tuscany. The centerpiece of this historically valuable city is another treasure; the whole of the “Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore”.
Continue reading ““Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore” – Firenze”